Sallie V. Fawcett

With love and gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we announce the passing of Sallie Vern Roach Fawcett, who entered the presence of her Lord and Savior on July 2, 2026, at the age of 88. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, greatgrandmother, and faithful Christian, Sallie lived with generosity, joy, and unwavering faith. Her warmth and kindness touched countless lives, and her legacy endures in the family and friends who loved her.

Born April 6, 1938, in Atlanta, Texas, to Era Sallie and Vern Marion Roach, Sallie grew up grounded in faith, family, and service—values that shaped her entire life. After high school, she attended Southern Methodist University, earning her degree and proudly joining Gamma Phi Beta. During her sophomore year, she met the love of her life, Walter Robert Fawcett Jr. They married in 1960, beginning a remarkable sixtysixyear marriage. Sallie later earned her teaching certification and began her career as an elementary teacher in Dallas.

Sallie and Robert moved to Arlington Heights, Illinois, where she continued teaching and welcomed their children: Walter “Walt” Robert Fawcett III and April Lynn. The family later settled in Long Grove, Illinois, where Sallie poured her heart into her home, church, and community. She was active at St. Simon’s Episcopal Church, participated in women’s organizations, and formed cherished friendships through Country Club Estates and Thorngate Country Club. Skiing became a beloved family pastime, and Sallie—an accomplished skier—found great joy in the mountains, especially Beaver Creek, Colorado.

In 1987, Sallie and Robert fulfilled their dream of moving to Beaver Creek CO, where they spent three decades building a rich life and deep friendships. Sallie embraced the community she loved, joining the Super Chicks Ski Club, the Beaver Creek Club, and the Beaver Creek Golf Club. She served faithfully on the Bravo! Vail Music Festival Board and dedicated more than twenty years to the Board of Trustees. Her servant’s heart shone brightly through her work at the Beaver Creek Chapel, where she volunteered as a wedding steward, chaired fundraising efforts, served on the Chapel Board, and participated in numerous ministries. She also served on the Board of the Samaritan Counseling Center.

Sallie and Robert traveled widely, but one journey held special meaning—Jerusalem, where Sallie experienced the profound joy of being rebaptized in the Holy Land, the Jordan River. Her Christian faith remained the foundation of her life.

After moving to California in 2017 and later returning to Illinois, Sallie treasured the time she spent with her growing family. She delighted in birthdays, holidays, and everyday moments with her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. In her final days, she was surrounded by the love of her devoted husband and family.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Era Sallie Roach and Vernie Marion Roach, and her precious great-granddaughter, Hope Michelle Wilkens, who entered the arms of her Savior in 2014. Though Hope's time on earth was brief, she remained forever cherished in Sallie's heart, and we find comfort in knowing they are joyfully reunited in the presence of the Lord.

Sallie is survived by her beloved husband of more than sixty-six years, Walter Robert Fawcett Jr.; her children, Walter Robert Fawcett III (Michelle Forsythe) and April Fawcett (Jason Baker); her cherished grandchildren, Britini Wilkens (Matt), Brooke Fawcett, Blake Bell (Ian), and Gerald Fawcett (Maddy); her treasured great-grandchildren, Hunter Wilkens, Hallie Wilkens, Holt Wilkens, McKenna Bell, Peyton Bell, Graham Fawcett, Emma Fawcett, and Sloane Fawcett; her sister-in-law, Sara Winters (David); her brother-in-law, Bill Fawcett (Cynthia); and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Sallie lived with grace, gratitude, and boundless love. Though she is deeply missed, we rejoice in the promise of eternal life and in knowing she has heard the words she longed for: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” 

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms... I go to prepare a place for you... I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also." John 14: 1-3